Crufts win for sister of Britain’s Got Talent star

David Brennan

Tayla Butler, the younger sister of Britain’s Got Talent winner, Ashleigh Butler, stole the show at Crufts this weekend.

Tayla, 14, and Gucci, a two-year-old Chinese Crested (Powderpuff), put on an incredible performance and wowed the audience in the main arena at Crufts to win the Crufts Factor Competition.

Tayla, of Wellingborough, said: “It was absolutely amazing to win. I was a bit nervous at first but when I got into the ring I was fine and really enjoyed myself.

“The competition is great and a fantastic experience to be involved in. I was so surprised I won.”

Also on stage with her two Border Terriers, Hazel and Bramble, was Jodie Forbes, who was awarded second place after their impressive routine; Christina Farley and her crossbreed Harry and Rachel Grylls with Jack Russells Jessica and Jacob, who all put on a great show.

The judging panel, made up of Olympic Swimmer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Mark Foster, winner of ITV’s show That Dog Can Dance Lucy Heath, and Anna Webb from BBC Radio London’s Barking at the Moon show, were unanimous in their choice of winner and felt that Tayla and Gucci deserved to be crowned winners.

Kennel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko said: “Crufts Factor is all about celebrating extraordinary talented dogs, and what better place to do that than on the world’s most famous dog stage.

“This year was bigger and better than ever and the finalists were all of a very high standard. Their routines were very impressive.

“With such great routines, the final was hotly contested but Gucci and Tayla performed marvellously in front of a live audience on the final day of Crufts. They are a very talented family indeed.”